A DEAF charity based in Barnwood is backing a move by the British Deaf Association, who is calling for registered helpers to come forward and help deaf people.

Gloucestershire Deaf Association is supporting a move by the British Deaf Association calling for all public bodies and agencies to be required by law to provide a deaf person with a registered communication professional.

The association based in Colin Road, Barnwood is supporting the vital campaign to ensure full access for everyone.

Chief executive, Jenny Hopkins, said: “It is vital that we support this petition to ensure that it is a legal requirement to provide qualified, registered British Sign Language and English interpreters to assist deaf sign language users and those who need to interact with them in their daily life.”

A spokesperson for British Deaf Association said: “Too many public bodies, including schools and GP surgeries, are either using unqualified communication workers, or relatives, or not using anyone at all. This wastes money and must stop.”

To support the petition visit, www.submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/58405.